Red Sox-Cubs Trade Rumors Heat Up Again Following Brendan Donovan’s Trade

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Boston Red Sox are finding themselves in need of infield help. With star third baseman Alex Bregman departing to the Chicago Cubs during free agency, the Red Sox have been actively seeking ways to fill the void left in their infield. The team has already been linked to several infielders, but many of their targets have already found new homes.

Eugenio Suárez and Brendan Donovan were two names on Boston’s radar, but both players have now moved on. Suárez signed with the Cincinnati Reds, and just recently, Donovan was traded to the Seattle Mariners. With these key targets off the board, the Red Sox are now facing a dwindling pool of options to improve their infield. However, recent trade rumors involving the Cubs have reignited the possibility of a deal between these two teams.

The Cubs’ Potential Trade Pieces: Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw

With Bregman now in Chicago, the Cubs have a bit of a logjam in the infield, and they may be willing to entertain trade talks involving some of their current players. Two names that have come up in recent rumors are second baseman Nico Hoerner and third baseman Matt Shaw. Both players are integral parts of the Cubs’ infield, but with the team’s depth, there is room for potential trades.

Following the news of Donovan’s trade to Seattle, the connection between the Red Sox and Cubs has resurfaced. Tim Healey of the Boston Globe reignited these trade rumors, suggesting that the Red Sox could still make a deal with the Cubs for either Hoerner or Shaw. While the Cubs are reportedly listening to offers, the price for either player would be steep, especially for Hoerner, who is viewed as a top-tier defensive player and a solid contributor with the bat.

Hoerner: An Elite Addition to the Red Sox Infield

Of the two Cubs’ players mentioned, Nico Hoerner is by far the more valuable option for the Red Sox. At 28 years old, Hoerner is one of the best defensive infielders in the league, and his bat has consistently produced solid numbers throughout his career. In 2025, Hoerner played in 156 games for the Cubs, hitting .297 with a .345 on-base percentage and adding 29 stolen bases to his stat line. While Hoerner may not have the power that some teams covet, his ability to get on base and his clutch hitting make him a key contributor for Chicago.

The Red Sox, who have struggled at times in the infield, would welcome Hoerner’s defensive skills and consistency at the plate. His combination of speed, defense, and offensive reliability would make him an ideal fit for Boston, who are looking to contend for a playoff spot in 2026.

However, as Healey noted, acquiring Hoerner will not come cheap. The Cubs have no pressing need to move him, and any trade discussions would likely require the Red Sox to part with significant assets. Given Hoerner’s importance to the Cubs’ future, the Red Sox would have to offer a substantial package to pry him away from Chicago.

Shaw: A Solid Prospect with Potential, but a Bigger Risk

While Hoerner is the more established option, Matt Shaw could still be an intriguing target for Boston. Shaw, who had a standout rookie season with the Cubs in 2025, impressed with his elite defensive play at third base. However, his bat left much to be desired, and many question whether his offensive production will improve in the future.

Shaw’s glove is undoubtedly his greatest asset, and the Red Sox could use that kind of stability in their infield. However, given his struggles at the plate, it’s unclear whether Shaw would be able to contribute consistently in a competitive Red Sox lineup. Still, his potential with the glove and his upside as a young player make him an interesting trade target for Boston, especially if they’re able to acquire him at a more reasonable cost than Hoerner.

The Cubs’ Leverage in Trade Talks: A Tough Negotiation for the Red Sox

For the Red Sox, the question now is whether they’ll be able to negotiate a deal with the Cubs, given the team’s leverage in trade talks. With Bregman now in Chicago, the Cubs are not desperate to make a move, especially when it comes to a player of Hoerner’s caliber. The Cubs are in a strong position, and they would be able to hold out for the right price.

However, the Red Sox are a team with strong playoff aspirations in 2026, and adding a player like Hoerner could be the key to their success. It would take a bold move from Boston’s front office to make this trade happen, but if they’re serious about contending, acquiring Hoerner could be a game-changer.

The Road Ahead: Will the Red Sox Pursue a Trade?

The question of whether the Red Sox will aggressively pursue a trade with the Cubs remains up in the air. Given their need for infield help and the limited options available, it would make sense for Boston to take a serious look at both Hoerner and Shaw. While the price tag may be high, both players would provide a significant upgrade to Boston’s infield defense and overall depth.

With spring training fast approaching, it will be interesting to see whether the Red Sox make a move to acquire one of these Cubs players. If they do, Hoerner could be the centerpiece of a deal that transforms their infield and puts them in a stronger position for a deep playoff run in 2026.

For now, all eyes will be on the Red Sox as they navigate a tricky offseason and look to make the right moves to stay competitive in a stacked American League. Whether or not they pull the trigger on a trade with the Cubs is still uncertain, but this remains a storyline to follow closely as the season draws nearer.